If you’ve started researching weight loss surgery, you’ve likely realized there’s no shortage of options —or opinions. As a bariatric surgeon, one of the most common questions I’m asked is:
“What is the best surgery for weight loss?”
The short answer: It depends.
The longer answer is a little more personal — in bariatric surgery, there is no true “one-size-fits-all” solution. Every patient’s body, health history, and goals are different.
With that in mind, let’s talk about the most performed weight loss surgeries.
Common weight loss surgery options
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (or gastric sleeve surgery)
A minimally invasive, restriction-based weight loss procedure in which roughly two-thirds of the stomach is removed through small “keyhole” incisions. By making the stomach smaller, this surgery helps you feel fuller faster and decreases hunger hormones.We’ve seen great success with this procedure, including my patient Rachel, who graciously shared her weight loss story.
- Robotic Gastric Bypass (utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System)
Robotic-assisted gastric bypass surgery has become the most common bariatric operation. Using robotic technology for better precision, this surgery creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. This limits how much you can eat and reduces how many calories your body absorbs—often leading to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions, like diabetes and sleep apnea. I was fortunate to perform Georgia’s first robotic gastric bypass in 2008, helping bring this innovative approach to patients seeking safe, effective weight loss solutions.
- Reflux Surgery
Specialized anti-reflux procedures are designed for patients with obesity who aren’t candidates for traditional fundoplication surgeries , like Nissen or Toupet. These operations strengthen the barrier between the stomach and esophagus to help control severe reflux while supporting weight loss efforts.
• Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Sometimes, patients have already had a previous bariatric surgery such as a sleeve or Lap Band in the past, and they can’t quite lose down to their desired weight. Not to worry. Revisional bariatric surgery may be able help carry these particular patients over the finish line of their weight loss goals. On occasion, revisional bariatric surgery may also be used to help patients correct some unwanted GI symptoms such as reflux or nausea after undergoing a prior surgery.
Factors I consider as a bariatric surgeon
When helping a patient decide the best weight loss procedure for them, I look at several important factors:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and how much weight they need to lose.
- Medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, or acid reflux.
- Lifestyle and eating habits.
- Age and general health.
- Personal goals — are they aiming to lose the most weight possible? A quicker recovery? Fewer long-term diet restrictions?
This is why the consultation process is so critical. It’s not just about losing weight —it’s about improving your health and maintaining that success over a lifetime.
So, what’s the “best” weight loss surgery?
The best bariatric surgery is the one that fits you:
- Your health needs
- Your weight loss goals
- Your lifestyle and willingness to commit to life-long changes
The bottom line
Choosing the right weight loss surgery is a big decision — and it’s not just about the operation itself. It’s about finding the safest, most effective way to support your health, reach your goals, and live the lifestyle you want for the rest of your life.
My advice? Partner with a bariatric surgeon you trust, ask questions, and make a choice based on your unique situation — not someone else’s experience.
You deserve a plan that’s as individual as you are.
Ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey?
My first recommendation is to read through our Bariatric Patient Education and Resources page and if you’re ready, schedule a consultation.